Delaney stepping down as AG

Attorney General Michael Delaney announced Tuesday he's stepping down and will return to private practice.

"I've been blessed to have served for 14 years in public service on behalf of the citizens of this state," Delaney said.

After serving four years as attorney general, Delaney said he has decided to make a change.

"Having reflected on that career and what's in the best interest of me and my family at this time, I've made a decision to return to private practice and say my goodbye to the Department of Justice," he said.

Up for reappointment at the end of the month, Delaney said the decision to not seek another term was his alone, in spite of his public opposition to the casino portion of Gov. Maggie Hassan's budget proposal.

"I made this decision," Delaney said. "I think it's the right decision for me, and I'm going to return to the private practice of law."

Hassan released a statement thanking Delaney for his service.

"While I understand his desire to pursue new opportunities, his steady leadership of our justice system will be missed, and I wish Mike the very best," she said.

Among the successes in his term, Delaney pointed to the convictions in the Mont Vernon murder trial and the prosecution of Myles Webster for the shooting of Manchester police Officer Dan Doherty.

He said the unsolved killing of Celina Cass and the shooting death of Greenland Police Chief Michael Maloney were among his greatest challenges. He said he leaves his office with the utmost respect for all everyone in law enforcement.

"I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for the sacrifices they make every day fulfilling the public safety mission in this state, and I will very much miss working with them in a day-in, day-out basis," Delaney said.

He said he didn't have any immediate plans to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Kelly Ayotte, who is now a U.S. senator.

"I'm going to focus on going back to the private sector of law," he said. "I have no intentions of seeking higher office at this time."

Hassan said Delaney has agreed to stay on past the expiration of his term on March 31 if necessary to ease the transition. There was no word on who the governor would tap to replace him.

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